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Home » Recipes » Dressing, Sauces, and Seasonings

Best Recipe for Taco Seasoning

Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Kori Butler · Published: Apr 15, 2020

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This copycat taco seasoning mix is a great healthy substitution for the packets that you buy in the store. It's easy to make (less than 5 minutes) using all-natural ingredients with spices right out of your pantry! Hooray for that - let's make it!

Taco seasoning mix and seasonings with a spoon on a wooden board.Pin
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Healthy Taco Seasoning
  • Low Carb Taco Seasoning Ingredients
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • How To Make Taco Seasoning
  • How To Use It
  • Kori's Tips
  • FAQs
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • More Mexican Inspired Recipes
  • More Recipes You Will Love
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

Why You'll Love This Healthy Taco Seasoning

"I have been making this homemade taco seasoning mix recipe for years as it is super simple, healthier, and cheaper. I love that I know that I am putting real ingredients in my family's food." -Kori

Super Easy

Make your own! Homemade taco seasoning is super easy to make! Like, less than 5 minutes easy to make. More than likely, you will have these ingredients in your pantry already too! Make extra to store and keep on hand for later.

Natural Ingredients

Have you ever read the ingredients on the back of a taco seasoning packet? Do you really want to eat this stuff? Can someone tell me why coloring need to be added? I call these "unpronounceable" ingredients.

Whey onion, modified corn starch, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, natural flavors with oleoresin paprika (for color), silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), spices including chili pepper, caramel color (contains sodium bisulfite), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.

Do you really want to eat this stuff? You don't need to anymore - let's make your own!

It's Healthy

This is a healthy, low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy free, and keto taco seasoning recipe. No unhealthy "unpronounceable ingredients" are used!

Low Carb Taco Seasoning Ingredients

Ingredients for making taco seasoning mix on a wooded board with parchment paper.Pin

Here's what you need to make this low carb taco seasoning mix. Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below 🙂

  • Chili Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano
  • Granulated Sugar Substitute or Regular Sugar
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika - I used regular paprika in this recipe but frequently use smoked paprika. It adds an amazing smoky flavor!
  • Cayenne Pepper - I used ground cayenne pepper but you could also use crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Kosher Salt - I use this kosher salt brand, which is less salty than table salt. If you use table salt, use slightly less and adjust it to your taste preference.
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Optional thickener: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or substitute ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

Copycat taco seasoning mix in a clear jar.Pin

Substitutions and Variations

  • This taco seasoning recipe is mild. To make it spicier, add more ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.
  • Make it green taco seasoning by using green chili powder in place of the red chili powder.
  • Make it smoky! Use chipotle powder (will add spicy heat too) or smoked paprika.
  • If desired, eliminate the sugar substitute or regular sugar. The sweetness is used to counterbalance the spices, but it is not essential.

How To Make Taco Seasoning

Each recipe makes the equivalent of one taco seasoning packet.

  1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.
  2. Use wherever a taco seasoning packet is called for. Store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

Note: This version is mild, but you can definitely add cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Actually, feel free to play around with any of the seasoning quantities to your liking.

Making Taco Meat

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork).
  2. Once ground meat is done cooking, drain the grease.
  3. Add taco seasoning along with ¾ cup of water. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. (Image 4)
4 part image depicting how to make Taco Seasoning Mix. See full recipe card for instructions.

How To Use It

Taco seasoning mix being poured into a jar for later use.Pin
  • 1 prepared taco seasoning mix recipe = 1 store bought packet
  • Use 1 recipe per pound of meat.
  • Use any ground meat - ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork.
  • Make tacos! Mexican Ground Beef Recipe or Shrimp Tacos
  • Use it in soup! Creamy Beef Taco Soup or Chicken Fajita Soup
  • Make zucchini taco boats, taco stuffed peppers, or zucchini ground beef taco casserole.

If you love tacos, be sure to make this Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe. If you are making fajitas give this fajita seasoning mix a try! Both are low carb, gluten free, keto-friendly, and can be made sugar-free.

Kori's Tips

  • I often triple or quadruple the recipe and store in an airtight container to have on hand for future recipes! When you want to use your large batch seasoning in a recipe, use approximately 4 tablespoons of the mixture for each pound of meat or seasoning packet called for. Use more if needed.
  • For best flavor use the freshest dried spices as possible - especially if you plan on making a large batch of this to store for later.
  • Adjust any seasoning to your taste preferences - make it spicier make it milder, etc. It's your recipe feel free to play around with it.

FAQs

What is in this taco seasoning mix recipe?

Each recipe is different, but in this one, we use chili powder, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, ground black pepper, and a sugar substitute.

We also call for xanthan gum as an optional thickener. It is not required. The sugar substitute can be omitted as well.

How much water do you put in taco seasoning mix?

A store-bought taco seasoning packet usually calls for ¾ cup water. This homemade recipe also uses ¾ cup.

How much taco seasoning do I need to for 2 pounds of meat?

This recipe should be used with 1 pound of meat. Double the recipe for 2 pounds of meat. Most store-bought seasoning packets call for 1 pound of meat. So you will need 2 packets for 2 pounds of meat.

Are you supposed to mix taco seasoning with water?

When making tacos you do not need to mix the taco seasoning with water first. After draining the ground meat, return it to the skillet, then add water and the taco seasoning mix. Mix it all then simmer until the sauce is reduced and thickened.

What are taco seasoning packet instructions?

Whether you buy a store-bought taco seasoning packet or make our healthy homemade recipe, the instructions are the same. Here are the taco seasoning packet instructions:
1. In a large skillet brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium high heat.
2. Once cooked, drain the grease. Return beef to the skillet and add seasoning packet and ¾ cup water.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook until water starts to evaporate and the sauce thickens to your liking.

Is taco seasoning keto?

This taco seasoning recipe is keto-friendly. Many store-bought taco seasoning packets are not.

How many carbs does keto taco seasoning have?

Each recipe is different, but this taco seasoning recipe has only 2.6 grams of carbohydrates (1.4 net carbs)

How much Taco Seasoning is in a packet?

There is 1 ounce of taco seasoning in a packet, which is about 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix.

How much water to taco seasoning?

You should use ⅔ cup water for each taco seasoning packet. If using our taco seasoning recipe, ⅔ to ¾ cup of water is used.

How much taco seasoning for 1 lb ground beef?

For every 1 pound ground beef, use 2 tablespoons of store-bought taco seasoning mix, or our entire recipe.

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

A clear jar of prepared taco seasoning mix.

Healthy Low Carb Keto Taco Seasoning

This copycat taco seasoning mix is healthier and tastes better than store-bought packets. It's super easy - ready in 5 minutes or less, and uses spices straight out of your pantry. The best part? You know what ingredients are going in your food!
Use 1 recipe for every 1 pound of ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, or pork)
4.53 from 109 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Dressing, Sauces, and Seasoning
Cuisine American | Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 13 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon salt adjust to your liking
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your liking
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute can be omitted
  • Optional thickener: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or substitute ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon xantham gum

Instructions
 

How To Make Taco Seasoning Mix

  • In a small bowl combine all ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container for later use or following instructions below to make taco meat.

How To Make Taco Meat

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork).
  • Once ground meat is done cooking, drain the grease.
  • Add taco seasoning along with ¾ cup of water. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Video

Kori's Tips

  • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
  • SUBSTITUTIONS: Adjust any seasoning to your taste. Omit the sweetener if desired. This is a mild taco seasoning mix - add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to increase the spicy heat. Enjoy!
  • TOP TIPS: Use the freshest dried ingredients for best taste, especially if you plan to double or triple the recipe for future use. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
  • This recipe makes approximately 1 ounce of dry seasoning mix, a little less than ⅓ a cup. For taco meat, use one recipe for each pound of ground beef. 
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Use in your favorite taco or burrito recipe. Here are a few recipes that use this taco seasoning mix recipe: Green Chicken Enchiladas Soup, Shrimp Tacos, Taco Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 13kcalCarbohydrates: 2.6gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.4gSodium: 334mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 0.2g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janell Brown

    June 29, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    This is very good. I used this tonight in my chicken and pineapple quesadillas and it was delicious! I used 1 1/2 Tbsp for 5 chopped small chicken breast tenderloins. I saved the rest to use later. Don't think I will ever buy taco seasoning again. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kori

      July 01, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Oh, that sounds just amazing and delicious!! Thank you for giving the recipe a try. I am definitely making chicken and pineapple quesadillas!! Great idea! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Debbie Knudslien

    November 25, 2020 at 2:53 am

    Do you drain the ground beef before adding the seasoning, or just use that added fat for more flavor?

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      November 25, 2020 at 2:52 pm

      You can do either! 🙂 I typically don't drain it but I am following a keto diet. It does add more flavor. If you're following a lower-fat diet you can certainly drain the fat.

      Reply
  3. Tibby

    November 12, 2020 at 2:20 am

    So I use this whole recipe for 1 pound of beef?! Over 4 tablespoons of seasoning seems like a ton!! LOL

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      November 12, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      Hello! Yep. 1 recipe for every pound of ground beef! 🙂

      Reply
      • Tibby

        November 14, 2020 at 2:51 am

        Thank you😊

        Reply
        • seekinggoodeats

          November 15, 2020 at 1:49 pm

          You are welcome 🙂 Have a good day

          Reply
  4. Elizabeth

    October 14, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    My sister is making this tonight. Looking forward to tasting it!

    Xylitol is another sugar sub and is sweeter than
    Erythritol.

    Reply
  5. Symantha Bonham

    August 24, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    I cannot wait to make this!! What is xantham gum? And where do I purchase it?

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      August 25, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      Oh great! Be sure to make extra and store some for later! 🙂 Xanthan gum is a gluten-free keto-friendly thickener. A little goes a long way. Usually you won't need more than 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in a recipe. I get it from Amazon, here's the link: xanthan gum

      Reply
4.53 from 109 votes (109 ratings without comment)

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Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

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